Security Camera System Planning Tools

Professional-grade calculators to help you design, plan, and optimize your security camera system. Free, easy to use, and backed by industry standards.

Camera System Planner

Design your surveillance layout with interactive floor plans. Place cameras visually and see real-time coverage zones.

  • Upload floor plans or site images
  • Interactive camera placement
  • DORI coverage visualization
  • Generate professional PDF reports
Use Tool

NVR Storage Calculator

Calculate exact storage requirements for your NVR system based on camera count, resolution, and retention period.

  • Support for all resolutions (720p to 12MP)
  • H.264, H.265, and MJPEG codecs
  • Motion detection vs continuous recording
  • Bandwidth requirements
Use Tool

Field of View Calculator

Determine camera coverage area and viewing angles based on lens focal length, sensor size, and installation distance.

  • Interactive FOV visualization
  • Multiple sensor size options
  • Real-time calculations
  • Common use case recommendations
Use Tool

Lens Selection Calculator

Select the perfect lens focal length for your needs based on DORI requirements and installation parameters.

  • DORI-based recommendations
  • Distance and coverage analysis
  • Multiple lens comparisons
  • Application-specific guidance
Use Tool

Why Use Our Security Camera Calculators?

Planning a security camera system requires careful consideration of multiple factors: camera placement, lens selection, storage capacity, and bandwidth requirements. Our suite of calculators takes the guesswork out of system design.

Industry Standards

Based on Hikvision, Dahua, and DORI specifications

Real-Time Results

Instant calculations as you adjust parameters

Completely Free

No registration required, use as often as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these calculators?

Our calculators use industry-standard formulas and data from leading manufacturers like Hikvision. Results are based on typical conditions and should be considered estimates. Complex environments may require 20-30% more storage or different lens selections.

What resolution should I choose for my cameras?

2MP (1080p) is suitable for general monitoring. 4MP provides better detail for recognition tasks. 8MP (4K) is ideal when you need to identify faces or license plates from longer distances. Higher resolution requires more storage and bandwidth.

Should I use H.264 or H.265 compression?

H.265 (also called H.265+) provides the same video quality as H.264 but uses about 50% less storage and bandwidth. Most modern NVRs and cameras support H.265. If you have newer equipment, H.265 is the better choice.

How do these tools work together?

Start with the Lens Calculator to determine the right focal length for your needs. Use the FOV Calculator to verify coverage at your installation distance. Design your layout with the Camera Planner, then calculate storage requirements with the Storage Calculator.

Can I save my calculations?

The Camera Planner allows you to save your designs when you create a free account. For other calculators, you can export results as PDFs or take screenshots for your records.

Need Professional Help With Your Security System?

Connect with verified security dealers in your area for expert installation, system design, and ongoing support.

Get Free Quotes from Local Dealers